Updated October 2026
In short: For probate, household contents are valued at what they'd fetch if sold on the open market, not what they cost new. For most homes, ordinary furniture and belongings are worth relatively little second-hand, often a few thousand pounds or less. Items of significant value, such as jewellery, art, antiques or collections, should be professionally valued.
| Type of item | Typical approach |
|---|---|
| Everyday furniture and household goods | Reasonable estimate of second-hand value |
| Jewellery, watches, art, antiques | Professional valuation |
| Cars | Trade or market value guides |
| Collections (coins, stamps) | Specialist valuation |
| Items left to named beneficiaries | Still included in the estate valuation |
Why accuracy matters
HMRC can challenge values that look too low. If inheritance tax is payable, under-valuation can lead to penalties. Keep notes of how you reached your figures, and photos of significant items.
Executors: practical steps
- List items room by room, with photos
- Get professional valuations for anything valuable
- Agree with beneficiaries what they're keeping
- Arrange clearance for the rest
- Secure, insure and value the property itself
How Fraser Bond helps executors
- Probate valuations of the property
- Clearance and property preparation introductions
- Sale or letting of the estate property
- Clear reporting for beneficiaries
Dealing with an estate property?
Talk to us about valuing and selling or letting it.
Speak to our teamRelated guides
Fraser Bond services: Free valuation · Property services · Contact us
